The summer solstice is also the first day of darkness

What we discover when the light isn't enough.

Yesterday was the longest day of the year, and as a lady pastor preaching on Father's Day, it felt long. 

The Summer Solstice is the peak of daylight in the Northern Hemisphere, when we celebrate a year half-complete, but also the reality that every day after this one will have fewer and fewer hours of daylight until the bleak midwinter. The solstice is an invitation to savor the summer sweetness, and to recognize with solemnity that time is a thief--years go by fast! 

In the Christian tradition, we often describe following Christ as being "Children of light" - we read and recite that "The light shines in the darkness and the darkness does not overcome it" and it's easy to think light = good and darkness = bad. 

But it's not so simple. In the darkness we discover mystery, elusive excitement; we learn to trust in the dark a truth our senses cannot perceive, but that we know intuitively. 

When have you found yourself in times of darkness, facing an unknown path? 

The light illuminates, but if you've ever lived in conditions of drought or in desert places where the dangers of scorching sunshine can be a relentless companion, you know that light is not always this warm and gooey comfort. Too much light can scorch. Harsh lighting illuminates every imperfection; in a bright room, it's impossible to hide what you don't want everyone to see. 

Living in the light then means also making yourself more open to judgement, to evaluation, and potentially to rejection. There is a vulnerability to being in the light. 

So what is it then, are we people of light or darkness? 

We need both of course, but as you make your way towards the second half of this year with solstice intention, I invite you to explore the light and the shadows. Where is there mystery and unknown? Where is there judgment? Where is there already illumination and what do you hope to have illuminated as you make your way, Wayfinder? 

You can light a candle in a dark room and think about these things. You can ponder these questions in full sun and let the rays open you up like a sunflower. 

Rooting for you on your path and sending you solstice blessings,

Elaine

P.S. I'm opening up a couple of special spots this summer for 1:1 wayfinding clients - 3 sessions for $450. If this is you, just reply or pass the word on to whoever it is. 

This reflection is part of Wayfinder's Weekly, my free Monday newsletter for people navigating threshold seasons. Subscribe here